The United Methodist Church in Haddam is holding a tag sale today, Saturday, April 18th. The church is located next to the Haddam Elementary School. The sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the HK Chorus Department.

It is with great reluctance and regret that the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee accepts the retirement of Lou Annino, Sr. from its committee even as he remains an active member of the Board of Finance and other Killingworth committees and organizations.

Lou has been on the KDTC for fifty years. He became a member when the town's population was just about 1,200 residents and politics was really local. Soft spoken, Lou's approach is always principled, his advice carefully considered, his service to the town generously given.

Whatever your political affiliation, Killingworth's Democrats hope you will look to Lou as an example and step up to serve neighbors and community. And the KDTC will keep the door open for that second fifty years should Lou change his mind.

HK Sports: H-K Boys Tennis team lost it's first match of the season at Valley Regional High School courts today. "Don't think for a moment that this was an upset, said H-K Coach Pakus, they won because they are good and played to win. Valley won some tough matches. They came back from being down a set with really focused players to secure a match win and really didn't allow us to gain any foothold in a few of the other matches. We didn't meet the challenges they presented."

The Cougars Patrick Gilhuly won at #1 singles defeating Trevor Rosensohn (6-1, 6-3). Valley's Alan Shortz outlasted Senior Matt Waldman at #2 singles (3-6, 6-0, 6-0) and Dan Cappiello bested H-K's Varun Ravishanker (6-2, 6-2) at #3 singles. H-K's Andrew McCurdy won #4 singles for H-K beating Etienne Libert (6-2, 6-2). Valley took three of the five singles matches when Matt Cottrill defeated the Cougars Grant Armstrong (6-0, 6-1) at #5 singles.

The teams split doubles play with the Cougars Robby Sheahan and Kyle Kelsey beating Valleys' Clay Arnold and Tavo Dam at #1 doubles by coming from behind to win (6-7, TB 5-7, 6-2, 6-4). The last match played was the deciding match for the Valley win with Jimmy Tomlinson and Hugh Berry beating H-K's Tyler Montesi and Mark St. Lawrence (6-1, 7-5) at #2 doubles. "Their players were cheering that doubles team home. It got louder and louder as they got closer to the win, said Pakus and that's what high school sports is meant to be."

The HKHS Varsity Baseball team wasted a great pitching performance by Chris Bova as they were outscored, 2-1, by the North Branford Thunderbirds.

HK held a 1-0 advantage for three innings until a bloop single was followed by a misjudged flyball. That allowed North Branford to tie the game at one in the fifth, and then take the lead the following inning.

Meanwhile HK could get nothing going offensively after Jeff Waterbury's RBI single in the third. The Cougars left 11 men on base over the course of the game and could not execute plays to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Sean Zapatka ( 1-2, 2B, 2 SB, 2 BB, run ) and Zak Kumnick ( 1-1, 2 SB, 2 BB ) led HK offensively, while Bova allowed only five hits the entire game, two of which never left the infield.

HK now sits at 2-2 on the season with a match-up at Coginchaug scheduled for Monday.

According to the Middletown Press, for nearly two decades Regional School District 17has been building up a surplus fund of nearly $2 million under provisions of state law that allowed the building of a contingency fund. Board of Education member Robert Baranoff says the law has now changed and the district can no longer have such a fund. The Board of Education is in talks with both Killingworth and Haddam to determine how to best deal with the surplus. Read more.

FREE open house and farm tours are being sponsored by Middlesex County Farm Bureau and Halfinger Farms on Saturday, April 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (raindate-April 26th). This is a wonderful family activity. Demonstrations will take place of the farm's new Ebb & Flow watering system that recycles water and nutrients. The potfilling and seeding machines will also be demonstrated. Attendees can pot a baby plant and take it home to nurture it and watch it grow. Come out to see how your plants are grown and enjoy a fun and educational day. Music will be provided for listening pleasure by local musicians Melissa Spencer and Tim Sparks. Refreshments will be provided. The farm is located at 489 Candlewood Hill Road in Higganum. For further information call Farm Bureau at 860-349-1250. Visit the farms website at www.halfingerfarms.com. Tour day info can be obtained by calling 860-316-7058.

Reminder! April 18th through 26th, Killingworth friends, neighbors, and community organizations are encouraged to "Adopt a Road" for beautification. Use the convenient sign-up link here on Killingworth Today to let friends, neighbors, clubs and civic organizations know when and where you'll be participating! Look for the specially marked dumpster within the transfer station to deposit appropriate trash (standard trash separation rules apply). During clean-up week, all drivers traveling through Killingworth are asked to obey speed limits and watch for signs where residents have posted that a clean-up is in progress.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Lacrosse team remained unbeaten with a, 9-6, victory over North Branford on Thursday at the HK football field. Lindsay Gorman led the offensive attack with 5 goals while Emily Anderson chipped in with 2 goals and 2 assists and Kristen Wendt and Emily Pollack each scored one apiece. Goalie Teagan Ferguson turned back 8 shots. The Cougars are now 3-0 while JV is off to a 2-0 start with victories over Sacred Heart Academy (6-1) and North Branford (10-1). Both teams will host Old Saybrook on Tuesday, April 21st starting at 4 pm at the HK football field. Read more about the game in the Middletown Press.

HK midfielder Emily Anderson weaves through defensive pressure in the Cougars' home win on Thursday. Photo courtesy E. Anderson

Virginia M. (Ginny) McCaffrey Fortin, 57, of Killingworth died April 15, 2009 in Gaylord Rehabilitation Center. Wife of Albert G. Fortin. Sister of Marie Percival of Meriden, Joan (Bob) Sand of East Haven, Janet Olivas of Albuquerque, NM, John McCaffrey of West Palm Beach, FL and Mark Monahan of Bellows Fall, VT. Also survived by 17 nieces and nephews. Ginny was born in Yonkers, New York on March 1, 1952 daughter of the late Genevieve McLaughlin. Prior to her retirement in 1999 Ginny was a supervisor for the former S.N.E.T. Company. She also loved her gardening and was an avid shopper. The family of Ginny would like to thank the staff of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Gaylord Rehabilitation Center for their care.

Her funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd., (Rte 80) East Haven Saturday morning at 8:30 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 9:00 am. Interment will be private. Friends may call Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., PO Box 1004, Meriden, CT 06450-1004. Sign Ginny's guestbook online at www.portofuneralhomes.net

KYL is looking for baseball and softball umpires for the 2009 season. Boys and girls age 12 and up are eligible and have the option to choose between great pay or community service hours.

KYL is offering two free clinics for those interested in becoming an umpire. You must attend one of the clinics if you plan on umpiring in little league baseball or softball this season. Each clinic will cover basic positioning of umpires and the rule book, including new rules for umpires that are returning from last year.

All minor and major league baseball and softball head coaches and assistant coaches are also required to attend (as head coaches and league-recognized assistant coaches will be required to umpire some games this season).

Clinic Dates:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Location: Rocco Field
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Or
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Location: Rocco Field
Time: 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm

To register (and to ask questions), contact Tim Rourke, the Umpire Coordinator, at 391-0415 or tim.rourke@yahoo.com. For more details, go to www.kylbaseball.org.

Killingworth Firemen have collected a barn full of items for their Giant Auction to be held this Saturday, April 18th from 9:30 - 4:30 at Fire Headquarters, Route 81.

Bedroom and living room sets, a windsurfer, table saw, appliances (freezer, dishwasher, dryer & much more) tables, chairs, lamps, car top carrier, bikes, toys, tools, many antiques...you name it, they probably have it!

Come spend the day at the firehouse and support the Fire Company!! Refreshments will be served all day. Proceeds supplement the Fire Company budget for training and fire/rescue equipment.

HK Sports: The Cougar Boys Tennis team defeated a young Portland team, 7-0, on the H-K courts yesterday. #1 Singles was won by Patrick Gilhuly (6-0, 6-1. Senior Captain Matt Waldman was victorious at #2 singles defeating Jacob Errichetti (6-0, 6-2) while Varun Ravishanker won at #3 singles over Cory Nesci (6-0, 6-0). The match at #4 singles was won by Andrew McCurdy over Portland's Kevin Atkinson (6-1, 6-1). In his first varsity start, H-K's Steve Saunders defeated Portland's Frank Fazzino (6-0, 7-6 TB 7-2).

The match at #1 doubles was won by the Cougar's Robby Sheahan and Kyle Kelsey (6-0, 6-0) over Tim Salecky and Skylin Dougherty while Dan Calhoun and Alex Yates defeated Portland's Chris Robinson and Alyssa Danielwicz (6-0, 6-3) in their first Varsity match for the Cougars.

The Cougar Varsity Baseball Team got a big win yesterday by defeating Cromwell, 5-0, behind a dominant pitching performance from Steve Landell.

Rebounding from a loss to Morgan, Landell completely shut down the Panthers by throwing seven innings, allowing only two hits and five walks, while striking out 10 batters.

While Landell was holding Cromwell in check, the offense opened up a big lead with a three-run second inning. Jeff Waterbury broke it open with a two-run single and Dan Milardo would score on a wild pitch after he doubled with two outs.

HK rolled from there, as Waterbury ( 2-3, 2 RBI, run, SB ) and Mike Ossa ( 1-3, RBI ) led the way offensively. The Cougars are now 2-1 on the season and will travel to North Branford on Friday to take on the T-Birds.

The HKHS Softball team defeated Cromwell, 11-3, yesterday in Haddam. Lindsey Griswold and Ashley Cook shared the pitching duties. Rachel Normandy had four hits, Kaylee Normandy had two hits, two runs and two RBIs. Griswold also had two hits. The Cougars are 3-1 on the year. Read all about the game in today's Middletown Press.

Principal, Miriam Furey-Wagner, is pleased to announce the honor roll for the second term of the 2008-2009 school year at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. To view a complete list click here.

Brett Zanardi, son of Dean & Denise Zanardi of Killingworth, has been named to the dean's list for the fall 2008 semester at Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts. The Dean's List acknowledges individual students who have made significant contributions to the College community through superior academic performance with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Brett is a senior at Endicott majoring in Sports Management & Communications. He will graduate in May 2009.

HK Sports: The HKHS Girls Tennis team defeated Morgan, 7-0, yesterday. Scores were: Colleen Phelan 6-1; 6-3; Caitlin Gilhuly 6-0; 6-0; Nichole Brooks 6-1; 6-0; Ashley Griswold 6-4; 4-6; 6-2; Doubles1 - Casey Scully/Hannah Sturman 2-6; 6-3; 6-1; Doubles2 - Anna Brundage/Kelsey Hawkins 6-4; 6-3; Doubles3 – Annie Bartosiak/Brianna Groves 7-5; 3-6; 7-6 (7-5 in tiebreaker. Coach Fiona Phelan said, "I was pretty optimistic going into the match that we could win today, especially after coming off a 7-0 win last week. I did not expect a repeat today. But everyone really played solid tennis and remembered the things we had worked on in practice and put them into play on the court."

Coach Phelan said, "Casey and Hannah pulled themselves together after a disappointing first set and proved to themselves that they could re-group and play to win. Anna and Kelsey had another solid match at D2 - they're proving to be a good team that communicates well and is starting to see the court better and better each match. Annie and Brianna pulled off the surprise of the afternoon with a long three set match with a third set tiebreaker thrown in to add to the excitement. Despite some personal setbacks they persevered and pulled off the win. All the singles players lived up to my expectations and really had a chance to put in to play the shots and strategies they have been working on. I' m really very proud of the whole team and the way they have put their energy into winning not only for the team, but for themselves."

The Boys Tennis team extended its record to 3-0 with a Shoreline Conference victory at Morgan yesterday. The Cougars swept the singles matches and split the doubles matches. Scores were: Patrick Gilhuly 6-2, 6-2; "This was a good match for Patrick", remarked Coach Pakus, "especially in the second set he really was constructing good points and playing with a laser-like focus." The balance of the singles went to H-K in straight sets with Senior Captain Matt Waldman winning (6-2, 6-4); Varun Ravishanker 6-2, 6-1; Andrew McCurdy 6-1, 6-3 and Grant Armstrong 6-1, 6-0. "Morgan's coach Manser told me his #4 was absent and his players had to move up, said Coach Pakus. I'm quite sure it would have been a different set of circumstances if they had their full roster."

In doubles play, Morgan's Ryan Rivard and Mike Ierardi came back from being down 2-5 in the first set to force a tie break which they won 8-6 to win the first set. "They simply closed our guys out in the second set and defeated Clayton Rountree and Robby Sheahan (7-6, 6-2)". The match at #2 doubles went three sets with H-K's Tyler Montesi and Mark St. Lawrence defeating Morgan's Ben Sisk and Tod Beckwith (3-6, 6-3, 6-3).

The HKHS Girls Lacrosse team opened Shoreline conference play with an impressive, 11-5, win on the road at Valley Regional on Tuesday. The Cougars were led by their senior co-captains Lindsay Gorman who tallied 4 goals and Kristen Wendt who also scored and anchored the outstanding defensive effort. Also scoring for the Cougars were junior Mikayla Litevich with 2 goals and underclassmen Emily Anderson, Amanda Johannes, Nicole Armenia and Giana DeNisi with one goal apiece. HK sophomore goalie Teagan Ferguson stopped 8 Warrior shots. The Cougars are off to their best start in program history at 2-0 and will host conference rival North Branford on Thursday at 4 pm at the HK football field.

The Killingworth Lions Club presented a check for $24,000 to The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc earlier this month to fulfill its commitment to fund the training of a seeing eye dog. The Lions Club members held two major raffles and supplemented the total with reserve funds. Lions President Terry Doyle thanked Dan Civiello, Charlie Martens and Nathaniel Titcomb for initiating the project and seeing it through to its successful conclusion.

The process to train a seeing eye dog is not only expensive, but long. The chosen puppy must first be socialized in a home for six months. Then it receives a year and a half to two years of training with a blind person before being matched with its new owner. Fidelco brought a puppy and a retired dog to the recent Lions Club meeting to illustrate the process. The dog the Lions are funding will go to a blind person in either Connecticut or Massachusetts.

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Today, sight programs remain one of its defining causes. In upholding this commitment, the Killingworth Lions Club sponsor eye clinics and provide free prescription eyeglasses to those not able to afford them. They are also a major sponsor of Helping Hands, Project Graduation and award thousands of dollars in scholarships to graduating seniors. The Lions raise and distribute more than $20,000 annually.

Photo courtesy T. Gannon.

Middle School and High School students (5-12th graders) grab your skateboards and join us for a trip to Academy Skate Park in Woodbridge, CT. This is Connecticut's largest indoor skate park. An 18,000 sq. ft. indoor park with a huge street area, including a big bank, all kinds of ledges, an 8 stair with a rail, and an 80 ft. long mini-ramp. Everything is surfaced in birch plywood and is smooth, grippy, and fast! The mini has an 8 ft. high extension and, on the other end, it tapers up to around 61/2 ft.

Our group will enjoy private and exclusive use for 3 hours. Bus transportation is provided. It is highly recommended that skateboarders wear a helmet and pads. Participants should bring food and drink. Check out Academy Skate Park at: www.academysk8park.com/.

Date: Saturday, April 25
Fee: Free for Residents (non-residents accepted after 4/20 $10; fee)
Limit: Max. 45 (first come first served)
Bus Departs: 9:00 AM (from HK HS Field House)
Bus Returns: 2:00 PM (to HK HS Field House)
Adult Chaperones: Frank Sparks and Mary Keithan

State Senator Ed Meyer, Senate Chair of the legislature's Environment Committee, yesterday welcomed news of the outright rejection by the U.S. Department of Commerce of the appeal by Broadwater Energy to build a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on Long Island Sound. Rejection by the U.S. Department of Commerce upheld a previous ruling by New York State to deny Broadwater's application citing incompatibility with its Coastal Management Program.

Senator Meyer was a steadfast opponent of the Broadwater proposal from the start.

"Today's decision by the federal government underscores the unique stature of Long Island Sound and the strong opinion of local jurisdictions that the aesthetic, environmental and economic contributions of the Sound to residents of two states must not to be undermined or sold to the highest bidder," Senator Meyer said. "In my mind, the irony all along about the Broadwater vision was the extent to which it would have utterly dismantled progress we've made over the past 20 years to restore the water quality and integrity of Long Island Sound."

Senator Meyer noted that a bill working through the General Assembly this session would create with New York a permanent, bi-state commission to consider all comparable proposals for the Sound, recognizing increasing demand for commercial and industrial development.

"In the throes of this deep recession in particular, it is incumbent upon us to remain vigilant so that we can deliver Long Island Sound to future generations in good condition," Senator Meyer concluded. "Going forward, there's no question there will be additional attempts to forsake that magnificent estuary and try to generate much-needed revenue."

Haddam-Killingworth Middle School's seventh and eighth grade drama students will present the musical Willy Wonka Junior this Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00. For more information call 663-1241.

Director/Producer Chris Solimene brings Roald Dahl's timeless story of the world famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this stage adaptation of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, which features the songs from the classic family film "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory." The memorable score features "The Candy Man", "Pure Imagination", "Oompa Loompa" and "I Want it Now" by Academy® and Grammy® award winners Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley.

The production stars Chet Crocco as Willy Wonka, Corey Sodergren as Charlie Bucket and Jake Paranzino as Grandpa Joe.

Enjoy Food, Cocktails and Dancing at the First Annual Mixer to benefit the Jack Foundation on Friday, May 1 from 7:00 p.m.-Midnight at Bill Miller's, 834 East Main Street Route 1, Branford.

This event is for adults only, casual attire. $30 per person. There will be an open bar from 8:00-10:00 p.m and features a 50/50 raffle. For more information contact Beth LiPuma at beth.lipuma@comcast.net or 203-907-6635. RSVP by April 24th. Send checks payable to The Jack Foundation to 19 Fawn Hill Road, Killingworth, CT 06419.

The Jack Foundation, named for Jack LiPuma, a second grader at Killingworth Elementary, is a small non-profit organization run by family and friends. Its goals are to raise funds for those who need help and, more importantly, to raise awareness of children and adults with disabilities of all sorts. The family foundation is based on the belief that these goals can make a significant difference throughout the entire community and surrounding communities.

Tis the season to clean and de-clutter! Donate your unwanted items to the Historical Society!!

The Society is now collecting quality items for their May 9th tag sale. Please phone 663-1681 to arrange for pick-up. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Historical Society's ongoing preservation of the town history.

Monday: April 6:
• 04:11:53 Medical Call, Wolf Hollow Lane.
• 14:20:13 Chimney Fire, Route 80.
Wednesday: April 8:
• 14:34:45 MVA, Route 148 & Roast Meat Hill Road.
Thursday: April 9:
• 10:42:02 Gas Spill, Birch Mill Road.
Friday: April 10:
• 10:52:10 Automatic Alarm, Little City Road.
• 11:05:12 Brush Fire, Spencer Hill Road
• 31:28:08 Medical Call, Little City Road.
Saturday: April 11:
• 14:42:32 Medical Call, Green Hill Road.

Friends of Hammonasset will hold its annual Plant and Shrub Sale from May 7th through May 26th, from 9:00 until 5:00 daily. The sale will be located 500 feet east of the entrance to the Hammonasset Beach State Park on Route 1 in Madison.

New this year are extra days, May 7, 8, 9 and 10, during which hanging baskets will be available, just in time for Mother's Day. Beginning on Friday May 15, the sale will also include shrubs, annuals, native wildflowers, seedling trays and potting soil.

The New England Wildflower Society will be featured at the sale, providing a large selection of native species plants not available locally. There will be many beautiful and reliable varieties of annuals and hanging baskets for shade and sun from spring to fall. In addition, potted perennials and grasses, white pine saplings and pottery will be for sale. As always, plants and shrubs will be available at very low prices.

The sale supports improvements at the Meigs Point Nature and helps provide funding to keep the Nature Center open for a longer season. An expansion of the Nature Center is also being planned. Other Friends projects include maintenance of the Butterfly Garden and Friendship Pond (with support from the Garden Club of Madison), publication of interpretive guides to the Park's nature trails, and sponsorship of Mutt Mitts to promote a cleaner park environment. The Friends have also initiated a Commemorative Tree Program with a goal of planting 300 new shade and ornamental trees throughout the Park.

Friends of Hammonasset is a volunteer nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide environmental education, and to serve as an advocate for and preserve the integrity of the natural resources at Hammonasset Beach State Park. If you would like to become a member of the Friends of Hammonasset, or volunteer for this or any event, please contact Eunice Arnold at 203-245-9151, or send an email to info@hammonasset.org. Volunteers will be available at the sale to register or renew your annual membership. If you are interested in donating perennials or helping dig and pot, please contact Don Rankin at 203-245-9192, or visit www.hammonasset.org.

Agenda
Regular Meeting of the Board of Selectmen
Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Town Office Building

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge Of Allegiance
3. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting held March 23, 2009 and Special Meeting of March 27, 2009
4. Visitors: Concerning Items on the Agenda
5. Tax Abatements & Refunds:
6. Vacancies:
    (A) IWWC - 1, (B) OEM - 1, (C) Recreation -1 (D) Housing Partnership - 4 (E) Estuary Council of Seniors - 2 (F) Municipal Land Use - 2 (G) Open Space Sub Committee - 1 (H) Public Health Agency - 2 (I) Water Pollution Control -1
7. Appointments:
8. Old Business:
    A. Award of Cemetery Bid for Lawn Care
    B. Traffic Safety Committee - Appointment of Members
9. New Business:
    A. Appointment of Richard Pleines to greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau - 7/1/09-6/30/12
    B. Parmelee Steering Committee - Linda Dudek
    C. Killingworth Library Assoc. Request for $2,155 for Window Repair
10. RJC Announcements
11. Selectmen's Concerns
12. Visitor Comments: General
13. Adjournment
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